Mary Jones Honored at Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Marion County on December 13 recognized the support of community organizations and presented a special award to Mary Jones who has supported the organization for more than 45 years.

Approximately 100 enthusiastic supports, friends and Board members attended the annual meeting. The following organizations were recognized for their continual support of our organization: United Way of Marion County, City of Ocala, The Children Alliance of Marion County, Kids Central, Inc., The Marion County Sheriff’s Dept. and The Sunset Rotary Club.

The Marion County Commissioners and Lisa Rice were recognized for their assistance with a new facility in Dunnellon, to be started in 2013. Other recognition went to Bobby James (for The Dunnellon Club), Carolyn Humphrey and Elaine Zirakian (for Roc with the Docs), Brady Ackerman and Jerry Parks (Brady Ackerman golf event), Gerald Ergle and Bo Russo (the Unsung Hero award), Dr. Justin Ferns (The President’ Award), Carlyle Ausley and Dirk Leeward (Outstanding Board Members of the Year).

A very special award was presented to Mary Jones by Jim Schneider, President of Signature Brands for her dedication and unselfish support of the Boys and Girls Club for the past 45 years, most of that time as Secretary of The organization. Mary Jones’ husband, Bobby and his sister Louise Crawford started a company many years ago that ultimately became Signature Brands.

Officers elected for the 2013 year are as follows: Michael Warren (Chief Volunteer Officer), Fred Roberts, Jr. (1st Vice President) Karen Reed (2nd Vice President), Rob Batsel (3rd Vice President), Pat Mangan (Treasurer) and Betty Hackmyer (Secretary). Kyle Yancey was elected as a new member of the Board of Directors. Outgoing President Mark Imes was recognized for his outstanding service and dedication to the Boys and Girls Club.

The Boys and Girls Club of Marion County has facilities in Silver Springs Shores, Dunnellon, and Ocala with 907 total members and about 300 kids in daily attendance. The organization is supported by assistance from the United Way, grants and foundations, memberships, Special Events, Program fees and Charitable Gifts.